Tension prevailed in several parts of West Bengal on Saturday after buses carrying supporters of the BJP were allegedly attacked while travelling to Kolkata to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a mega gathering at the historic ground, in what is widely seen as the party’s final major show of strength ahead of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. Supporters and workers from various districts began arriving in Kolkata early in the day to participate in the rally.
However, several BJP supporters alleged that their journey to the city was disrupted by attacks on the way.
One such incident was reported from Murshidabad’s Belda, where a bus carrying BJP supporters was allegedly targeted by miscreants. Stones were hurled at the vehicle, shattering its windows. Several passengers reportedly sustained injuries during the incident, creating panic among those travelling to the rally.
A separate incident was also reported involving a bus coming from Keshwari in the West Medinipur district. According to BJP workers and supporters on board, the vehicle was stopped by a group of people who allegedly dragged the driver out and assaulted him. They further claimed that the attackers threatened them and ordered them to remove the party flags displayed on the bus.
Following the incidents, a section of BJP leaders and supporters blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the attacks. However, there has been no immediate official response from the TMC regarding these allegations.
Despite the reported incidents, preparations for the rally at the Brigade Parade Ground continued at full pace. The BJP leadership in the state has organised the event on a grand scale, with elaborate arrangements for the Prime Minister’s address.
Party organisers have also incorporated several elements reflecting Bengal’s cultural heritage into the rally stage design. Visual motifs inspired by the Cooch Behar Palace, Bankura’s traditional terracotta horses, and the forests of North Bengal have been featured prominently. A large cutout of the renowned Dakshineswar Kali Temple has also been placed at the backdrop of the stage.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, hoardings bearing the slogan “Go Back Modi” were spotted in different parts of Kolkata on Friday. Several of these posters were seen near the busy Maa Flyover, drawing the attention of commuters and residents.
Posters carrying the slogan “Boycott BJP” were also displayed in various locations across the city. However, the identity of those responsible for putting up the hoardings remains unclear, as no political party or organisation has claimed responsibility.
With political tensions rising and accusations flying between rival camps, the incidents have added another layer of controversy ahead of the high-profile rally addressed by the Prime Minister.
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